Interview Prep

How to have the perfect handshake

We’ve told you this before and I'm going to tell you again, your handshake is important, especially in job interviews. This is essentially one of the first impressions you will give to employers when you meet them.

Do:

Maintain eye contact.
Smile
Lean forward…just a bit.
Put your arm at an angle and keep your forearm firm.
Keep it at 5 shakes…any more could get awkward.
Keep light but firm pressure.

Don't:

Go limp.
Just grab the fingers
Be super rigid.
Grab the wrists.
Try to show off your strength.

I know this sounds a little silly, but it really can make a difference in your job interview! A bad handshake could show them that you lack people skills or are uninterested in what they have to say.

Kim is a job-search coach for Snagajob! She's a Certified Professional Resume Writer and a Certified Employment Interview Professional. When she's not helping with job searches, she can be found hanging with her hubby, Matt, and puppy, Belle.